Organisation/Company MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Australia Application Deadline 10 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
- Salary package: $109,272 per annum (Level A.6 - PhD awarded rate) plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading.
- Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 12 months, with the possibility of extension for an additional year.
- Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Advanced Drone Systems Research Centre at Macquarie University.
In this role, you will lead the development of robust UAV control systems and sensor integration pipelines for PX4- and ArduPilot-based platforms. You'll work closely on embedded and real-time systems across various drone configurations and mission types.
You will collaborate with an energetic team of engineers, researchers, and partner organisations as part of a nationally funded AEA Innovate initiative. This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of autonomous aerial systems with real-world deployment in mind.
Some of your duties include:
- Conducting original research in drone autonomy, sensing, and cooperative multi-agent systems.
- Designing, implementing, and testing embedded systems, control architectures, and robotic platforms.
- Collaborating with PhD students, engineers, and academic staff across interdisciplinary domains.
- Leading publications in top-tier robotics conferences (e.g., ICRA, IROS, ICUAS) and journals.
- Contributing to field trials, hardware integration, and system validation experiments.
- Supporting grant development, stakeholder engagement, and outreach.
About Us
We are Australia's leading Drone Systems Research Centre, innovating in UAV autonomy, cooperative swarms, next-generation high-performance design, AI flight safety, and drone applications.
We're a close-knit and ambitious team with deep technical expertise and a strong sense of purpose. We're hands‑on, mission‑oriented, and believe in building systems that matter – from research lab to field deployment. If you're looking for a place where your contributions matter and your ideas shape the road map, this is it.
How To Apply?
To be considered for this role, please submit your application online and make sure to include the following documents outlined below:
- Your academic CV (with contact details for at least two referees).
- A cover letter addressing the selection criteria below and a 1-page research statement highlighting your interests and fit with our Centre.
Core Selection Criteria
- PhD (or thesis submitted) in robotics, mechatronics, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in robotic systems, UAV platforms, and embedded computing.
- Strong track record of publications in robotics, control, or autonomous systems.
- Experience with ROS/ROS2, MAVLink, PX4/ArduPilot, and onboard computing platforms (e.g., Jetson, STM32).
- Proficient user of Python, C/C++, Linux tools and similar.
- Skills in control theory, estimation, perception pipelines, and multi‑agent coordination.
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) for component layout, mechanical integration, or prototyping.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and project ownership skills.
- Experience with aerial manipulation, cooperative UAVs, or swarm robotics.
- Demonstrated capability in rapid prototyping, real‑world testing, and publishing experimental results.
- Strong understanding of core mathematical foundations, including linear algebra, control theory, statistics, and probabilistic methods.
*Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo an academic qualification check.
We welcome applications from international candidates.
Specific enquiries: Please contact the Advanced Drone Systems Research Centre at Macquarie University via
Submission of Applications Open Until: Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AEDT).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received – early applications are encouraged.
Why Work at Macquarie
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five‑star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location is just a short walk from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Enjoy the benefits of working at a campus that offers:
- 17% Superannuation
- Subsidised onsite parking options
- Flexible working options
- Training and professional development
- Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Versatile Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
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